Computing
Intent
At Parkhill Junior School we believe a high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing is a significant part of everyone’s daily life, and we believe that children should be at the forefront of new technology.
Here at Parkhill, we believe in a melting curriculum where we integrate different aspects of the curriculum together as an integral part of learning to develop a deeper understanding. Computing can provide a wealth of learning opportunities and transferable skills. Children must be taught in the form of ‘computational thinking’ in order to provide them with essential knowledge and skills to effectively participate in the digital world.
Parkhill Junior takes internet safety extremely seriously. We have regular online safety workshops for parents to equip them with the knowledge on how to support their child when using the internet. There is also an online safety policy that provides guidance for teachers and parents. Our digital leaders help remind staff and children on the importance of online safety through the delivery of assemblies and provide feedback on a weekly basis.
Implementation
At Parkhill Junior school, the children will design, write, and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts. They will use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs, use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and correct errors in algorithms and programs.
Children will be taught to understand computer networks, including the internet, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration. They will use search technologies effectively, learn to appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content. Children will be taught to select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals. They will use technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.
Lessons are planned to provide for and include all children. We focus on the progress they have made. These computing lessons aim to equip each child with advanced cognitive skills and the essential values, attitudes, and attributes that they will need for lifelong success.
Impact
After the implementation of our robust curriculum, children will leave Parkhill Junior digitally literate. They will be able to safely and effectively navigate technology allowing them to be independent thinkers who can problem solve, think logically, evaluate content and information and be confident in a technological world. Children will understand the consequences of using the internet and will, most importantly be knowledgeable on how to keep themselves safe. Our Computing curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression.